Dog owners in Cornwall are being targeted by an anti-fouling campaign which includes a poster of a Christmas tree 'decorated' with dog poo bags.

Cornwall Council says the issue of dog fouling is becoming a growing problem in the county – and it has decided to tackle it with some festive flair.

The council's new poster contains a picture of a Christmas tree 'decorated' with dog poo bags alongside the phrase, "would you decorate your tree like this?"

Head of public protection and business support at the council, Allan Hampshire, said he hoped the images would "make people think about their responsibilities".

He said: "We have probably all experienced the frustration of seeing a full dog poo bag suspended from a hedgerow, tree or left by a footpath.

"We are taking that image to the extreme by showing a Christmas tree decorated with dog poo bags against the backdrop of some of the lovely places in Cornwall.

"We are saying to people that once you have taken the time to scoop and bag the poop, please put the bag in any litter bin or take it home and put it in your own bin.

"There is no excuse not to take responsibility for your dog."

Iconic Cornish locations appearing in the posters include Carn Brea, Godrevy and St Michael's Mount.

Kevin Brader, Cornwall's senior environmental health officer, said the timing of the campaign was significant.

"We are running the campaign now as we notice an increase in fouling and littering issues when the days are short and dog owners are often walking their pets in darkness in the morning or the evening," he said.

"It is no excuse to say that you didn't see where your dog has been; you can be held responsible even if you did not see the incident.

"Anyone caught throwing or leaving bagged dog waste or not properly removing dog waste will face an £80 fixed penalty or prosecution."